Every ZAT tennis tourney has this new rule listed on it's tournament page! In case you weren't aware this will be helpful to coaches & parent's who have been following the "no coaching" code of conduct.

As a parent & tennis coach, I have always wanted to be able to give a few pointers between changeover's but have held back. Young tennis players really could use some guidance within reason & for support.

Now, we have that authorization to do so in an honourable manner, it's a good thing for the kid's.

NEW AUTHORIZED REST PERIOD BETWEEN END OF 2ND SET AND 10 PT TIEBREAKER

NEW AUTHORIZED REST PERIOD There is a NEW 3-minute authorized rest period between the end of your 2nd set, and a 10-point deciding match tie-break, if one is needed. COACHING is ALLOWED during this 3-minute authorized rest period. NOTE: Players MUST be back on court, ready to put a ball in play at 3-minutes from the time the last ball was struck to end the 2nd set. The rules of tennis instruct officials to time (stopwatch) and penalize players returning late from an authorized rest period. The penalty imposed is 1 game (a tie-break is considered one game for rule purposes). If this lateness penalty is imposed prior to a deciding match tie-break, the match will be decided by the 1 game lateness penalty. For this reason, PARENTS AND COACHES...Please make sure your players are on court in a timely fashion. We want the players to take full advantage of the coaching opportunities, while playing within the rules of the 2011 Friend at Court. Officials are instructed to use this lateness penalty when needed.

These tournaments are held throughout the state of Texas for junior tennis players as part of a state ranking system. Players who have a permanent residency in Texas and are not already qualified can participate in ZAT tournaments. Playing ZAT tournaments is the first step toward achieving a Texas state ranking